Celebrate the Festival of Lights with the lighting of the menorah, family-friendly activities, and delicious latkes at these Hanukkah events.
Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a Jewish festival that celebrates the recovery of Jerusalem – specifically, the rededication of the Holy Temple. The holiday is celebrated by people all over the world, including in Hanukkah DC, by lighting a single candle on the menorah for each night, as well as by reading scripture, singing special hymns, playing dreidel games, and eating delicious foods with loved ones.
All of us in the DMV love a good holiday and we know how to celebrate them all in style. Here are a couple of ways of celebrating Hanukkah in DC, as well as in Maryland and Virginia.
National Menorah Lighting at the White House
- Address: The White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20500 | Website
Every year, thousands of people attend the National Menorah Lighting at the White House. It’s a highly anticipated event that comprises the lighting of the candle, musical performances, special guests, and other ways for the entire family to celebrate. Prominent guests such as the President, Vice President, as well as numerous senior Administration officials and international dignitaries and celebrities have participated in the ceremony throughout the years.
Music & Magic: A Chanukah Spectacular
- Address: Gordon Center for Performing Arts, 3506 Gwynnbrook Avenue, Owings Mills, MD, 21117 | Website
Celebrate the Festival of Lights at the Music & Magic: A Chanukah Spectacular at the Gordon Center in Owings Mills. Enjoy a dazzling performance by Grammy-winning musician Joanie Leeds and magician The Amazing Max, preceded by fun pre-show activities like crafts and glitter tattoos. Perfect for families, this event brings the joy and magic of Chanukah to life!
Menorah Car Parade & Lighting
- Address: Starts at Safeway (2635 Housley Road, Annapolis, MD, 21401) | Ends at: City Dock, Annapolis, MD | Website
Join the annual Menorah Car Parade in Annapolis for a memorable Chanukah celebration! The parade departs from Safeway at 5:30 PM on Sunday, December 29, with a giant menorah lighting at City Dock around 5:45 PM. Participants should arrive by 5:00 PM to prepare their cars.
Important Notes:
- Car menorahs are magnetically attached with protective covers.
- Reserved parking at City Dock is exclusively for parade participants.
YJP Drinks & Dreidels Chanukah Party
- Address: Art Studio Near Power Plant Live!, Baltimore, MD 21202 (RSVP for location details) | Website
Celebrate Chanukah with a vibrant evening of drinks, dreidels, and socializing at the YJP Drinks & Dreidels Chanukah Party! This exciting event for Jewish young professionals includes delicious holiday treats, festive games, and an opportunity to meet and mingle with peers.
Come together for an unforgettable night of fun and connection in the heart of Baltimore, complete with classic Chanukah vibes and great company.
National Museum of American Jewish Military History: Hanukkah Party
- Address: 1811 R St NW, Washington, DC 20009 | Website
Celebrate Hanukkah with festive fun, delicious treats, and meaningful traditions at the annual Hanukkah Party! This year’s celebration takes place before the holiday, but the joy and spirit remain the same. Savor crispy latkes, sweet jelly doughnuts, and chocolate gelt while singing traditional songs and playing games.
Before the party, explore the museum to learn how Jews in the American military have upheld the traditions of the Maccabees.
Come at 6 pm and have a tour of the museum. Have a good party by 6:30pm!
Pre-Chanukah BINGO & Chesed
- Address: 3300 Old Court Road, Baltimore, MD 21208 | Website
Kick off the Chanukah season with a beloved BT tradition at Pre-Chanukah BINGO & Chesed! Families with preschool and lower school-aged children are invited to enjoy an evening of festive fun and community spirit. Indulge in classic holiday treats like latkes and donuts while playing Bingo for exciting prizes.
The evening begins with a meaningful Chesed activity, sponsored by the Beth Tfiloh School Parent Association, offering an opportunity to give back during the Festival of Lights.
Schedule:
- 4:30 PM: Chesed Activity (Free)
- 5:15 PM: Bingo with Food ($5 per person; children under 2 free)
RSVP by: 9:00 AM on December 11, 2024. Refunds are not available for this event.
Chanukah Striked 2.0
- Address: Bowlero Columbia, 7100 Carved Stone, Columbia, MD 21045 | Website
Presented by CYP Columbia, Chanukah Strikes 2.0 promises an unforgettable night of glow-in-the-dark fun, food, and festivities! This exclusive event for Jewish young adults in their 20s and 30s is your chance to celebrate Chanukah in style while connecting with a vibrant community of like-minded individuals.
Enjoy delicious eats like crispy latkes and sweet doughnuts, a premier bowling lounge, an exciting dreidel competition, and a Grand Menorah lighting. A cash bar will feature craft beers and signature cocktails to keep the party going!
Special Offer: Register by December 4 to receive a free drink of your choice at the bar. Grab your tickets today and join the fun!
A HANUKKAH CAROL, or GELT TRIP! THE MUSICAL
Address: ROUND HOUSE THEATRE, 4545 East-West Highway, Bethesda, MD 20814 | Website
Round House Theatre is presenting A Hanukkah Carol from November 20 to December 29, 2024. This whimsical holiday production puts a humorous spin on Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, blending the traditional tale with Hanukkah themes. The story follows the curmudgeonly Scrooge figure, now named Yona, who embarks on a transformative journey. With a unique mix of songs, laughs, and heartwarming moments, this performance offers a festive experience for audiences of all ages. It’s a celebration of family, tradition, and the spirit of giving.
Hanukah Freedom Concert and Coffee House
- Address: Tifereth Israel Congregation, 7701 16th Street Northwest Washington, DC 20012 | Website
Join a community-wide celebration of freedom at the Hanukkah Freedom Concert, featuring local Jewish, folk, and social justice music. Enjoy performances by SongRise, Aaron Shneyer & Friends, and more, all while supporting local causes. The concert concludes with candle lighting, sufganiyot, and refreshments.
Proceeds benefit Jews United for Justice, Bend the Arc, and the New Israel Fund.
Night of Klezmer – A Hanukkah Celebration
- Address: Kennedy Center Millennium Stage, 2700 F St NW, Washington, DC 20566 | Website
Celebrate the festive season with a lively night of klezmer music at the Kennedy Center! This Hanukkah-themed concert will feature Michael Winograd & the Honorable Metschn, offering a vibrant mix of traditional klezmer tunes and modern interpretations. It’s a perfect way to honor the holiday and immerse yourself in the joy of Jewish music. The event is free and open to the public, making it a great option for both newcomers and longtime fans of klezmer music. Don’t miss this exciting night of culture and celebration!
Hanukkah Events by the Edlavitch Jewish Community Center
- Address: Edlavitch DCJCC,1529 Sixteenth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036
- Website
The Edlavitch Jewish Community Center offers a variety of exciting Hanukkah events for the community this holiday season, featuring activities for all ages. From festive market shopping to creative house building and virtual lightings, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to explore handmade goods, join in a holiday potluck, or celebrate virtually with a community of light, the Edlavitch DCJCC brings the joy of Hanukkah to life. Check out their full lineup of events
Chanukah House Building & Shabbat Potluck with EntryPointDC Cooking Tribe
- Date: Friday, December 6, 2024
Join the EntryPointDC Cooking Tribe for a festive evening of Chanukah house building and a Shabbat potluck at the Edlavitch DCJCC. This fun and interactive event is open to young professionals (ages 21-45) who are looking to get creative with their house-building skills and enjoy a community potluck dinner. Everything you need to make your Chanukah house will be provided—just bring a dish to share for the potluck! Celebrate the holiday with friends, food, and festive fun.
Chanukah Holiday Market
- Date: Wednesday, December 11, 2024
Get into the holiday spirit at the Chanukah Holiday Market at Edlavitch DCJCC! This festive event features handmade goods from independent artists, offering everything from holiday cards to jewelry to baked goods. It’s the perfect place to shop for unique, artisanal gifts and support local makers. Whether you’re looking for something special for yourself or to give as a gift, this market is a must-see, bringing the spirit of Etsy to life in person.
Virtual Chanukah Candle Lighting
- Dates: December 25-January 1
Celebrate the Festival of Lights virtually with a series of Hanukkah lightings across the DMV! Join the community each night to spread light and joy, whether you have your own menorah (Hanukkiah) to light or not. On Friday, December 27, the virtual lighting will take place at 4:15 p.m. followed by a Shabbat candle lighting. On Saturday, December 28, the lighting will occur at 6:00 p.m. with Havdalah, followed by the lighting of the menorah. Be a part of this special tradition, connecting with others as we light up the night together!
